NSWRL Premier
League : Round 8 Preview

Some good match ups this weekend in the NSWRL Premier League competition. With the top of the table so tight, 3 teams on 12 points, and others nipping at their heels, the pressure is starting to go on to perform week in and week out.

Jason Bulgarelli returns to the star-studded lineup for the Canberra Raiders, which sits atop the Premier League competition ladder after their crushing 52-8 victory over the Newtown Jets last weekend. The Sharks had a bit of a fright from the bottom of the table Knights, so will be looking to perform better at home.

The St Marys/Penrith Cougars play hosts to the visiting North Sydney Bear on Saturday afternoon. The home side has been looking good, and really should not have any problems. Of course the Norths side may think otherwise.

Newtown Jets are at home hosting the Sydney Roosters. The Jets were absolutely hammered last weekend against the Canberra Raiders and will be wanting to boost their confidence again with a win over the Roosters. They have a good chance of achieving this although the Roosters certainly one of the top sides, Parramatta, a run for their money last week.

Parramatta take on the visiting Souths side. The Eels have looked good in the competition, but last week's win over the Roosters was far from impressive. Souths would like nothing better than sealing a win at Parramatta Stadium.

The Dragons fans at Oki Jubilee Oval will give one of their sons a warm welcome return when Nathan Blacklock runs onto the field again for the Premier League side. The Dragons were in fine form last week, even in the mud, and I expect will certainly lift for this game at home, the only Sunday game of the round.